Mumbai: Beat policing could help create sense of security among citizens

While patrolling by beat policemen helps in instilling a sense of security amongst citizens, its proper regulation could help in deterring crimes, say former policemen.

While patrolling by beat policemen helps in instilling a sense of security amongst citizens, its proper regulation could help in deterring crimes, say former policemen.

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Former police commissioner D Sivanandhan said, "Beat patrolling could be of great help, especially in crowded areas. After 26/11 terror attacks, around 650 bikes have been used to improve policing. But the shortage of staff could make deployment of more policemen difficult."

K Subramanyam, former director general of police for the state, said that beat marshals are already in place and all they need to do is visit places, irrespective of them being inhabited or abandoned.

"Increasing beat policing would depend on the availability of manpower. It cannot be done overnight. Maharashtra has been recruiting thousands of personnel every year. While the system exists, it needs to be made more effective," said Subramanyam.

IPS officer turned lawyer YP Singh, however, was not too optimistic about it. "The British system of beat policing has been reduced to using rounds to collect haftas."